Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh called for the expansion of relations with Iran in all spheres during a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in New Delhi on Friday. Singh and Zarif discussed the most recent developments in bilateral relations and important regional issues.

Iranian FM Mohammad Javad Zarif (L) with Indian PM Manmohan Singh

Zarif said cooperation between the two countries is necessary for curbing extremism and violence in the region.

Singh mentioned his trip to Iran for the summit of the Non-Aligned Movement, which was held in Tehran in August 2012, during which he met Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.

Zarif also met with Indian Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari on Friday.

Iran plays a "strategic role" in the security of the region, Ansari said, adding that India and Iran should expand their relations.

During the meeting, Zarif discussed the Iranian government's approach toward bilateral, regional, and international relations and some other issues.

He expressed hope that the two countries would increase their cooperation in the political, cultural, and economic spheres.

He also said that cooperation between the two countries is essential for the enhancement of regional security and emphasized the need to eliminate all obstacles to the expansion of bilateral ties.

Ansari pointed to the affinities and historical relations of the two countries and emphasized the need to expand bilateral ties.

Zarif began a two-day official visit to India, at the invitation of Indian Foreign Minister Salman Khurshid, on Thursday.